Foamed resin compositions and methods of using foamed resin compositions in subterranean applications

ABSTRACT

Methods are provided that include a method comprising: providing a foamed resin composition comprising a resin, a foaming agent, a compressible gas, and an aqueous fluid; and introducing the foamed resin composition into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. Additional methods are provided.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to resin compositions and methods of usingsuch compositions in subterranean formations. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to foamed resin compositions and methods ofusing such compositions, for example, to consolidate relativelyunconsolidated portions of subterranean formations, to modify thestress-activated reactivity of subterranean fracture faces and othersurfaces in subterranean formations, and/or for fluid diversion.

Hydrocarbon wells are often located in subterranean zones that containunconsolidated particulates that may migrate out of the subterraneanformation with the oil, gas, water, and/or other fluids produced by thewells. The presence of unconsolidated particulates (e.g., formationfines, proppant particulates, etc.), in produced fluids is undesirablein that the particulates may abrade pumping and other producingequipment and reduce the fluid production capabilities of the producingzones. “Unconsolidated subterranean zones” as that term is used hereininclude those that contain loose particulates and those wherein thebonded particulates have insufficient bond strength to withstand theforces produced by the production of fluids through the zones. “Zone” asused herein simply refers to a portion of the formation and does notimply a particular geological strata or composition.

One method of controlling particulates in unconsolidated formationsinvolves placing a filtration bed containing gravel near the well borein order to present a physical barrier to the transport ofunconsolidated formation fines with the production of hydrocarbons.Typically, such so-called “gravel packing operations” involve thepumping and placement of a quantity of a desired particulate into theunconsolidated formation in an area adjacent to a well bore. Such packsmay be time consuming and expensive to install. Weakly consolidatedformations also have been treated by creating fractures in theformations and depositing proppant in the fractures wherein the proppantis consolidated within the fractures into hard, permeable masses using aresin or tackifying composition to reduce the migration of sand. In somesituations the processes of fracturing and gravel packing are combinedinto a single treatment to provide a stimulated production and anannular gravel pack to prevent formation sand production. Suchtreatments are often referred to as “frac pack” operations.

Another method used to control particulates in unconsolidated formationsinvolves consolidating unconsolidated subterranean producing zones byapplying a resin followed by a spacer fluid, and then a catalyst. Suchtechniques, however, may be problematic when, for example, aninsufficient amount of spacer fluid is used between the application ofthe resin and the application of the external catalyst. The resin maycome into contact with the external catalyst in the well bore itselfrather than in the unconsolidated subterranean producing zone, which mayresult in rapid polymerization, potentially damaging the formation byplugging the pore channels, halting pumping when the well bore isplugged with solid material, or resulting in a down hole explosion as aresult of the exothermic heat generated by the polymerization. Also,using conventional resin compositions may not be practical due, at leastin part, to the high cost and flammability of most solvents used withconventional resin compositions.

One additional problem that can negatively impact conductivity andfurther complicate the effects of particulate migration is the tendencyof mineral surfaces in a subterranean formation to undergo chemicalreactions caused, at least in part, by conditions created by mechanicalstresses on those minerals (e.g., fracturing of mineral surfaces,compaction of mineral particulates, etc.). These reactions are hereinreferred to as “stress-activated reactions” or “stress-activatedreactivity.” As used herein, the term “mineral surface in a subterraneanformation” and derivatives thereof refer to any surface in asubterranean formation comprised of minerals and/or the surface of aparticulate. These minerals may comprise any mineral found insubterranean formations, including silicate minerals (e.g., quartz,feldspars, clay minerals), carbonaceous minerals, metal oxide minerals,and the like. The mineral surface in a subterranean formation treated inthe methods of the present invention may have been formed at any time.The term “modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineralsurface” and its derivatives as used herein refers to increasing ordecreasing the tendency of a mineral surface in a subterranean formationto undergo one or more stress-activated reactions, or attaching acompound to the mineral surface that is capable of participating in oneor more subsequent reactions with a second compound.

One type of reaction caused, at least in part, by conditions created bymechanical stresses on minerals is a diageneous reaction. As usedherein, the terms “diageneous reaction,” “diageneous reactivity,” and“diagenesis,” and any derivatives thereof are used herein to refer tochemical and physical processes that move a portion of a mineralsediment and/or convert the mineral sediment into some other mineralform in the presence of water. A mineral sediment that has been so movedor converted is herein referred to as a “diageneous product.” Anymineral sediment may be susceptible to these diageneous reactions,including silicate minerals (e.g., quartz, feldspars, clay minerals),carbonaceous minerals, metal oxide minerals, and the like.

Two of the principle mechanisms that diageneous reactions are thought toinvolve are pressure solution and precipitation processes. Where twowater-wetted mineral surfaces are in contact with each other at a pointunder strain, the localized mineral solubility near that point isthought to increase, causing the minerals to dissolve. Minerals insolution may diffuse through the water film outside of the region wherethe mineral surfaces are in contact (e.g., in the pore spaces of aproppant pack), where they may precipitate out of solution. Thedissolution and precipitation of minerals in the course of thesereactions may reduce the conductivity of the formations by, among otherthings, clogging the conductive channels in the formation with mineralprecipitate and/or collapsing those conductive channels by dissolvingsolid minerals in the surfaces of those channels.

Moreover, in the course of a fracturing treatment, new mineral surfacesmay be created in the “walls” surrounding the open space of thefracture. These new walls created in the course of a fracturingtreatment are herein referred to as “fracture faces.” Such fracturefaces may exhibit different types and levels of reactivity, for example,stress-activated reactivity. In some instances, fracture faces mayexhibit an increased tendency to undergo diageneous reactions. In otherinstances, fracture faces also may exhibit an increased tendency toreact with substances in formation fluids and/or treatment fluids thatare in contact with those fracture faces, such as water, polymers (e.g.,polysaccharides, biopolymers, etc.), and other substances commonly foundin these fluids, whose molecules may become anchored to the fractureface. This reactivity may further decrease the conductivity of theformation through, inter alia, increased diageneous reactions and/or theobstruction of conductive fractures in the formation by any moleculesthat have become anchored to the fracture faces.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to resin compositions and methods of usingsuch compositions in subterranean formations. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to foamed resin compositions and methods ofusing such compositions, for example, to consolidate relativelyunconsolidated portions of subterranean formations, to modify thestress-activated reactivity of subterranean fracture faces and othersurfaces in subterranean formations, and/or for fluid diversion.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising:providing a foamed resin composition comprising a resin, a foamingagent, a compressible gas, and an aqueous fluid; and introducing thefoamed resin composition into at least a portion of a subterraneanformation.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a methodcomprising: providing a foamed resin composition comprising a resin, afoaming agent, a compressible gas, and an aqueous fluid; introducing thefoamed resin composition into at least a portion of a subterraneanformation; and allowing the foamed resin to at least partiallyconsolidate at least a portion of the subterranean formation.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a methodcomprising: providing a foamed resin composition comprising a resin, afoaming agent, a compressible gas, and an aqueous fluid; introducing thefoamed resin composition into at least a portion of a subterraneanformation; and allowing the foamed resin composition to modify thestress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of a mineral surfacein the subterranean formation.

The features and advantages of the present invention will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes may be madeby those skilled in the art, such changes are within the spirit of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to resin compositions and methods of usingsuch compositions in subterranean formations. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to foamed resin compositions and methods ofusing such compositions, for example, to consolidate relativelyunconsolidated portions of subterranean formations, to modify thestress-activated reactivity of subterranean fracture faces and othersurfaces in subterranean formations, and/or for fluid diversion. Otheruses will be evident to one skilled in the art.

The foamed resin compositions of the present invention generallycomprise a resin; a foaming agent; a compressible gas; and an aqueousfluid. One of the many advantages of the present invention is that thefoamed resin compositions and methods presented herein may allow for theconsolidation of relatively unconsolidated portions of subterraneanformations, modification of the stress-activated reactivity ofsubterranean fracture faces and other surfaces in subterraneanformations, and/or fluid diversion without the use of additionalflammable solvents. Other benefits, objects, and advantages will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of thisdisclosure.

The resins utilized in the present invention are generally two-componentepoxy based resins comprising a hardenable resin component and ahardening agent component. The hardenable resin component is comprisedof a hardenable resin and an optional solvent. The solvent may be addedto the resin to reduce its viscosity for ease of handling, mixing andtransferring. It is within the ability of one skilled in the art withthe benefit of this disclosure to determine if and how much solvent maybe needed to achieve a viscosity suitable to the subterraneanconditions. Factors that may affect this decision include geographiclocation of the well and the surrounding weather conditions. Analternate way to reduce the viscosity of the liquid hardenable resin isto heat it. This method avoids the use of a solvent altogether, whichmay be desirable in certain circumstances. The second component is thehardening agent component, which is comprised of a hardening agent.Optionally, the hardening agent may further comprise a silane couplingagent, a surfactant, and a hydrolyzable ester for, among other things,breaking gelled fracturing fluid films on the proppant particles, and anoptional liquid carrier fluid for, among other things, reducing theviscosity of the hardening agent component. It is within the ability ofone skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure to determineif and how much liquid carrier fluid is needed to achieve a viscositysuitable to the subterranean conditions. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, the resin may be included in the foamed resincomposition in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% byweight of the foamed resin composition.

Examples of hardenable resins that can be used in the hardenable resincomponent include, but are not limited to, organic resins such asbisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin, butoxymethyl butyl glycidyl etherresin, bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin, polyepoxide resin, novolakresin, polyester resin, phenol-aldehyde resin, urea-aldehyde resin,furan resin, urethane resin, a glycidyl ether resin, and combinationsthereof. The hardenable resin used is included in the hardenable resincomponent in an amount in the range of from about 60% to about 100% byweight of the hardenable resin component. In some embodiments thehardenable resin used is included in the hardenable resin component inan amount of about 70% to about 90% by weight of the hardenable resincomponent.

Any solvent that is compatible with the hardenable resin and achievesthe desired viscosity effect may be suitable for use in the hardenableresin component of the foamed resin compositions of the presentinvention. Some preferred solvents are those having high flash points(e.g., about 125° F.) because of, among other things, environmental andsafety concerns; such solvents include butyl lactate, butylglycidylether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethylether, dimethyl formamide, diethyleneglycol methyl ether, ethyleneglycolbutyl ether, diethyleneglycol butyl ether, propylene carbonate,methanol, butyl alcohol, d'limonene, fatty acid methyl esters, andcombinations thereof. Other preferred solvents include aqueousdissolvable solvents such as, methanol, isopropanol, butanol, glycolether solvents, and combinations thereof. Suitable glycol ether solventsinclude, but are not limited to, diethylene glycol methyl ether,dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 2-butoxy ethanol, ethers of a C₂ to C₆dihydric alkanol containing at least one C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, monoethers of dihydric alkanols, methoxypropanol, butoxyethanol,hexoxyethanol, and isomers thereof. Selection of an appropriate solventis dependent on the resin composition chosen and is within the abilityof one skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

As described above, use of a solvent in the hardenable resin componentis optional, but in some instances, may be desirable to reduce theviscosity of the hardenable resin component for ease of handling,mixing, and transferring. It is within the ability of one skilled in theart, with the benefit of this disclosure, to determine if and how muchsolvent is needed to achieve a suitable viscosity. In some embodimentsthe amount of the solvent used in the hardenable resin component is inthe range of from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of the hardenableresin component. Optionally, the hardenable resin component may beheated to reduce its viscosity, in place of, or in addition to, using asolvent.

Examples of the hardening agents that can be used in the hardening agentcomponent include, but are not limited to, piperazine, derivatives ofpiperazine (e.g., aminoethylpiperazine), 2H-pyrrole, pyrrole, imidazole,pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indolizine,isoindole, 3H-indole, indole, 1H-indazole, purine, 4H-quinolizine,quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, naphthyridine, quinoxaline,quinazoline, 4H-carbazole, carbazole, β-carboline, phenanthridine,acridine, phenathroline, phenazine, imidazolidine, phenoxazine,cinnoline, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, imidazoline, piperidine, indoline,isoindoline, quinuclindine, morpholine, azocine, azepine, 2H-azepine,1,3,5-triazine, thiazole, pteridine, dihydroquinoline, hexa methyleneimine, indazole, amines, aromatic amines, polyamines, aliphatic amines,cyclo-aliphatic amines, amides, polyamides, 2-ethyl-4-methyl imidazole,1,1,3-trichlorotrifluoroacetone, and combinations thereof. The chosenhardening agent often effects the range of temperatures over which ahardenable resin is able to cure. By way of example and not oflimitation, in subterranean formations having a temperature from about60° F. to about 250° F., amines and cyclo-aliphatic amines such aspiperidine, triethylamine, N,N-dimethylaminopyridine,benzyldimethylamine, tris(dimethylaminomethyl) phenol, and2-(N₂N-dimethylaminomethyl)phenol are preferred withN,N-dimethylaminopyridine most preferred. In subterranean formationshaving higher temperatures, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone may be asuitable hardening agent. Hardening agents that comprise piperazine or aderivative of piperazine have been shown capable of curing varioushardenable resins from temperatures as low as about 70° F. to as high asabout 350° F. In some embodiments of the present invention, thehardening agent used is included in the hardening agent component in therange of from about 40% to about 60% by weight of the hardening agentcomponent. In some embodiments the hardening agent used is included inthe hardening agent component in an amount of about 45% to about 55% byweight of the hardening agent component.

While not required, a silane coupling agent may be used, among otherthings, to act as a mediator to help bond the resin to formationparticulates and/or proppant. Examples of suitable silane couplingagents include, but are not limited to, N-β-(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane,3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and combinations thereof. The silanecoupling agent used is included in the hardening agent component in anamount capable of sufficiently bonding the resin to the particulate. Insome embodiments of the present invention, the silane coupling agentused is included in the hardening agent component in the range of fromabout 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the hardening agent component.

Any surfactant compatible with the hardening agent and capable offacilitating the coating of the resin onto particles in the subterraneanformation may optionally be used in the hardening agent component of thefoamed resin compositions of the present invention. Such surfactantsinclude, but are not limited to, an alkyl phosphonate surfactant (e.g.,a C₁₂-C₂₂ alkyl phosphonate surfactant), an ethoxylated nonyl phenolphosphate ester, one or more cationic surfactants, and one or morenonionic surfactants. Mixtures of one or more cationic and nonionicsurfactants also may be suitable. Examples of such surfactant mixturesare described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,773 issued to Todd et al. on Nov.6, 2001, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. The surfactant or surfactants used may be included in thehardening agent component in an amount in the range of from about 1% toabout 10% by weight of the hardening agent component.

While not required, examples of hydrolyzable esters that can be used inthe hardening agent component include, but are not limited to, a mixtureof dimethylglutarate, dimethyladipate, and dimethylsuccinate; sorbitol;catechol; dimethylthiolate; methyl salicylate; dimethyl salicylate;dimethylsuccinate; ter-butylhydroperoxide; and combinations thereof.When used, a hydrolyzable ester is included in the hardening agentcomponent in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 3% byweight of the hardening agent component. In some embodiments ahydrolyzable ester is included in the hardening agent component in anamount in the range of from about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of thehardening agent component.

Use of a diluent in the hardenable resin composition is optional and maybe used to reduce the viscosity of the hardenable resin component forease of handling, mixing and transferring. It is within the ability ofone skilled in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, todetermine if and how much diluent is needed to achieve a viscositysuitable to the subterranean conditions. Any suitable diluent that iscompatible with the hardenable resin and achieves the desired viscosityeffects is suitable for use in the present invention. Some preferreddiluents are those having high flash points (e.g., about 125° F.)because of, among other things, environmental and safety concerns; suchsolvents include butyl lactate, butylglycidyl ether, dipropylene glycolmethyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dimethyl formamide,diethyleneglycol methyl ether, ethyleneglycol butyl ether,diethyleneglycol butyl ether, propylene carbonate, methanol, butylalcohol, d'limonene, fatty acid methyl esters, and combinations thereof.Other preferred diluents include aqueous dissolvable solvents such as,methanol, isopropanol, butanol, glycol ether solvents, and combinationsthereof. Suitable glycol ether liquid carrier fluids include, but arenot limited to, diethylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycolmethyl ether, 2-butoxy ethanol, ethers of a C₂ to C₆ dihydric alkanolcontaining at least one C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, mono ethers of dihydricalkanols, methoxypropanol, butoxyethanol, hexoxyethanol, and isomersthereof. Selection of an appropriate diluent is dependent on the resincomposition chosen and is within the ability of one skilled in the artwith the benefit of this disclosure.

The resin compositions of the present invention further comprise afoaming agent. Any suitable foaming agent may be used in the foamedresin compositions of the present invention. Among other things, thefoaming agent may facilitate the foaming of a resin composition.Suitable foaming agents may include, but are not limited to: mixtures ofan ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate, a cocoamidopropyl betainesurfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodiumchloride, and water; mixtures of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ethersulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine surfactant, acocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, andwater; hydrolyzed keratin; mixtures of an ethoxylated alcohol ethersulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine surfactant,and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamine oxide surfactant; aqueous solutionsof an alpha-olefinic sulfonate surfactant and a betaine surfactant; andcombinations thereof. An example of a suitable hydrolyzed keratin isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,871, the relevant disclosure of whichis incorporate herein by reference. Examples of suitable mixtures of anethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkeneamidopropyl betaine surfactant, and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamineoxide surfactant are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,738, the relevantdisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples ofsuitable aqueous solutions of an alpha-olefinic sulfonate surfactant anda betaine surfactant is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,699, therelevant disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In onecertain embodiment, the foaming agent comprises a mixture of an ammoniumsalt of an alkyl ether sulfate, a cocoamidopropyl betaine surfactant, acocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, andwater. In some embodiments of the present invention, the foaming agentis included in the resin composition in the range of from about 0.01% toabout 6% by weight of the foamed resin composition.

The foamed resin compositions of the present invention further comprisea compressible gas. Any compressible gas that does not adversely reactwith or affect the other components of the resin composition may be usedin accordance with the present invention. Suitable compressible gasesinclude air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof. Carbondioxide may be contraindicated based on the resin type selected. Forexample, where an epoxy resin is used, the acidity of a carbon dioxidecompressible gas may prevent adequate curing of the resin. Similarly,where a furan resin is chosen, the acidity of the carbon dioxide maycause premature curing and potential safety concerns. One of ordinaryskill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will recognizesituations wherein carbon dioxide is contraindicated. In someembodiments of the present invention, the compressible gas is includedin the resin composition in an amount sufficient to produce a finalresin composition density from about 6 to about 12 pounds per gallonbased on weight of water.

The aqueous fluid utilized in the resin compositions of the presentinvention may be any aqueous-based fluid, from any source, provided thatit does not contain an excess of compounds that may adversely react withthe other components used in accordance with this invention or with thesubterranean formation. Such aqueous-based fluids may comprise freshwater, salt water (e.g., water containing one or more salts dissolvedtherein), brine (e.g., saturated salt water), or seawater. In someembodiments, the aqueous fluid may be present in an amount in the rangeof from about 20% to about 99.99% based on weight of water.

Optionally, the foamed resin compositions of the present invention mayfurther comprise a gelling agent. Any gelling agent suitable for use insubterranean applications may be used in these foamed resincompositions, including, but not limited to, natural biopolymers,synthetic polymers, cross linked gelling agents, viscoelasticsurfactants, and the like. Guar and xanthan are examples of suitablegelling agents. A variety of gelling agents may be used, includinghydratable polymers that contain one or more functional groups such ashydroxyl, carboxyl, sulfate, sulfonate, amino, or amide groups. Suitablegelling agents typically comprise polysaccharides, biopolymers,synthetic polymers, or a combination thereof. Examples of suitablepolymers include, but are not limited to, guar gum and derivativesthereof, such as hydroxypropyl guar and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar,cellulose derivatives, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, locust bean gum,tara, konjak, tamarind, starch, cellulose, karaya, diutan, scleroglucan,succinoglycan, wellan, gellan, xanthan, tragacanth, and carrageenan, andderivatives and combinations of all of the above. Additionally,synthetic polymers and copolymers may be used. Examples of suchsynthetic polymers include, but are not limited to, polyacrylate,polymethacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, andpolyvinylpyrrolidone. Commonly used synthetic polymer acid-gellingagents are polymers and/or copolymers consisting of various ratios ofacrylic, acrylamide, acrylamidomethylpropane sulfonic acid, quaternizeddimethylaminoethylacrylate, quaternized dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate,mixtures thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the viscosifier maybe present in the foamed resin compositions of the present invention inan amount sufficient to provide a desired degree of solids suspension orviscosity.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method comprising:providing a foamed resin composition comprising a resin, a foamingagent, a compressible gas, and an aqueous fluid; and introducing thefoamed resin composition into at least a portion of a subterraneanformation.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a methodcomprising: providing a foamed resin composition comprising a resin, afoaming agent, a compressible gas, and an aqueous fluid; introducing thefoamed resin composition into at least a portion of a subterraneanformation; and allowing the foamed resin to at least partiallyconsolidate at least a portion of the subterranean formation.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a methodcomprising: providing a foamed resin composition comprising a resin, afoaming agent, a compressible gas, and an aqueous fluid; introducing thefoamed resin composition into at least a portion of a subterraneanformation; and allowing the foamed resin composition to modify thestress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of a mineral surfacein the subterranean formation.

To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, thefollowing examples of certain aspects of some embodiments are given. Inno way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, theentire scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

A sample resin composition of the present invention was prepared byfirst adding 0.5 grams of a gelling agent, “WG-24,” which iscommercially available from Halliburton Energy Services, Duncan, Okla.,to 100 milliliters (“mL”) of water. After hydration of the gellingagent, 1 mL of a foaming agent, “HC-2™ Agent,” which is commerciallyavailable from Halliburton Energy Services, Duncan, Okla., was added tothe water and hydrated gelling agent. Next, 2.5 mL of an epoxy resin and2.5 mL of a hardening agent were added to form a stable solution. Theresulting solution was then sheared to form a foam that had a half-lifeof over five minutes and an initial foam quality of 71. Foam quality isthe ratio of gas to the total volume of a system, expressed as apercent.

Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends andadvantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. Theparticular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as thepresent invention may be modified and practiced in different butequivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations areintended to the details of construction or design herein shown, otherthan as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that theparticular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered ormodified and all such variations are considered within the scope andspirit of the present invention. In particular, every range of values(of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “fromapproximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”)disclosed herein is to be understood as referring to the power set (theset of all subsets) of the respective range of values, and set forthevery range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, theterms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwiseexplicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.

1. A method comprising: providing a resin composition comprising a resinand an aqueous fluid; foaming the resin composition using a methodcomprising a foaming agent and a compressible gas to form a foamed resincomposition; and introducing the foamed resin composition into anunconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the resin comprises at least one resin selected from thegroup consisting of: bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin, butoxymethylbutyl glycidyl ether resin, bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin,polyepoxide resin, novolak resin, polyester resin, phenol-aldehyderesin, urea-aldehyde resin, furan resin, urethane resin, a glycidylether resin, and any combination thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein the resin is present in the foamed resin composition in anamount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of thefoamed resin composition.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the foamingagent comprises at least one foaming agent selected from the groupconsisting of: a mixture of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate,a cocoamidopropyl betaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamineoxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water; a mixture of an ammoniumsalt of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropylhydroxysultaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxidesurfactant, sodium chloride, and water; hydrolyzed keratin; a mixture ofan ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkeneamidopropyl betaine surfactant, and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamineoxide surfactant; an aqueous solution of an alpha-olefinic sulfonatesurfactant and a betaine surfactant; and any combination thereof.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the foaming agent is present in the foamedresin composition in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about6% by weight of the foamed resin composition.
 6. The method of claim 1wherein the compressible gas comprises at least one compressible gasselected from the group consisting of: air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide,and any combination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein thecompressible gas is present in an amount sufficient to produce a finalfoamed resin composition density from about 6 to about 12 pounds pergallon based on weight of water.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein thefoamed resin composition further comprises a viscosifier.
 9. A methodcomprising: providing a resin composition comprising a resin and anaqueous fluid; foaming the resin composition using a method comprising afoaming agent and a compressible gas to form a foamed resin composition;introducing the foamed resin composition into at least a portion of asubterranean formation; and allowing the foamed resin composition to atleast partially consolidate at least a portion of the subterraneanformation.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the resin comprises atleast one resin selected from the group consisting of: bisphenol Adiglycidyl ether resin, butoxymethyl butyl glycidyl ether resin,bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin, polyepoxide resin, novolak resin,polyester resin, phenol-aldehyde resin, urea-aldehyde resin, furanresin, urethane resin, a glycidyl ether resin, and any combinationthereof.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the foaming agent comprisesat least one foaming agent selected from the group consisting of: amixture of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate, a cocoamidopropylbetaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant,sodium chloride, and water; a mixture of an ammonium salt of an alkylether sulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine surfactant,a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, andwater; hydrolyzed keratin; a mixture of an ethoxylated alcohol ethersulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine surfactant,and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamine oxide surfactant; an aqueoussolution of an alpha-olefinic sulfonate surfactant and a betainesurfactant; and any combination thereof.
 12. The method of claim 9wherein the foaming agent is present in the foamed resin composition inan amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 6% by weight of thefoamed resin composition.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein thecompressible gas comprises at least one compressible gas selected fromthe group consisting of: air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and anycombination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 9 wherein the compressiblegas is present in an amount sufficient to produce a final resincomposition density from about 6 to about 12 pounds per gallon based onweight of water.
 15. A method comprising: providing a resin compositioncomprising a resin and an aqueous fluid; foaming the resin compositionusing a method comprising a foaming agent and a compressible gas to forma foamed resin composition: introducing the foamed resin compositioninto at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing thefoamed resin composition to modify the stress-activated reactivity of atleast a portion of a mineral surface in the subterranean formation. 16.The method of claim 15 wherein the resin comprises at least one resinselected from the group consisting of: bisphenol A diglycidyl etherresin, butoxymethyl butyl glycidyl ether resin, bisphenolA-epichlorohydrin resin, polyepoxide resin, novolak resin, polyesterresin, phenol-aldehyde resin, urea-aldehyde resin, furan resin, urethaneresin, a glycidyl ether resin, and any combination thereof.
 17. Themethod of claim 15 wherein the foaming agent comprises at least onefoaming agent selected from the group consisting of: a mixture of anammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate, a cocoamidopropyl betainesurfactant, a cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodiumchloride, and water; a mixture of an ammonium salt of an alkyl ethersulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine surfactant, acocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, andwater; hydrolyzed keratin; a mixture of an ethoxylated alcohol ethersulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine surfactant,and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamine oxide surfactant; an aqueoussolution of an alpha-olefinic sulfonate surfactant and a betainesurfactant; and any combination thereof.
 18. The method of claim 15wherein the foaming agent is present in the foamed resin composition inan amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 6% by weight of thefoamed resin composition.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein thecompressible gas comprises at least one compressible gas selected fromthe group consisting of: air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and anycombination thereof.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the compressiblegas is present in an amount sufficient to produce a final resincomposition density from about 6 to about 12 pounds per gallon based onweight of water.